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She was tapped for the San Francisco engagement sound unheard, after Director Adler scheduled Francesca, then learned that his star soprano (Renata Tebaldi) would be unable to take the role after all. San Francisco listeners found the old (1914) opera dull and static in spite of its lush arias, but Soprano Gencer was something to hear. Her voice is big, warm and beautiful, and capable of surging emotional power. The U.S. will be hearing more of her.
*Among them: Soprano Renata Tebaldi, Tenor Mario del Monaco, Basso Nicola Rossi-Lemeni.